LNAT Formulating Persuasive Arguments 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which argument structure is known as 'modus tollens'?
- If P then Q; P is true; therefore Q
- If P then Q; Q is false; therefore P is false (Correct answer)
- Either P or Q; not P; therefore Q
- P is true; Q is true; therefore P causes Q
Correct answer: If P then Q; Q is false; therefore P is false
Modus tollens is the valid deductive form: if the consequent is false, the antecedent must also be false.
Question 2: In the LNAT essay section, why is it important to define key terms at the outset of your argument?
- To impress markers with vocabulary
- To prevent the examiner from misinterpreting your position and to set the scope of your argument (Correct answer)
- To increase the word count of the essay
- Because the LNAT explicitly requires definitions in every essay
Correct answer: To prevent the examiner from misinterpreting your position and to set the scope of your argument
Defining key terms clarifies your position, prevents ambiguity, and controls the scope of the debate, making your argument more precise and harder to mischaracterize.
Question 3: A candidate argues: 'The death penalty should be abolished because it is morally wrong to take a human life.' What type of premise is this?
- An empirical premise
- A normative premise (Correct answer)
- A logical tautology
- A definitional premise
Correct answer: A normative premise
A normative premise expresses a value judgment about what ought to be, rather than a factual claim about what is.
Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST effective way to open a persuasive LNAT essay?
- A dictionary definition of the topic's main term
- A direct statement of your thesis followed by a brief roadmap of your argument (Correct answer)
- A lengthy historical background of the issue
- A rhetorical question with no immediate answer
Correct answer: A direct statement of your thesis followed by a brief roadmap of your argument
A clear thesis statement with a roadmap immediately signals your position and logical structure, which is what LNAT markers reward.
Question 5: What is the key distinction between a rebuttal and a refutation in argumentative writing?
- A rebuttal agrees with the opponent; a refutation disagrees
- A rebuttal counters an argument with evidence; a refutation shows the argument is logically invalid (Correct answer)
- A rebuttal is verbal; a refutation is written
- There is no meaningful distinction between the two
Correct answer: A rebuttal counters an argument with evidence; a refutation shows the argument is logically invalid
A rebuttal typically provides counter-evidence, while a refutation demonstrates a flaw in the logical structure of the opposing argument itself.
Question 6: The argument 'We should not listen to Professor Smith's climate research because he drives a large SUV' commits which error?
- Tu quoque (appeal to hypocrisy) (Correct answer)
- Straw man
- Hasty generalization
- False cause
Correct answer: Tu quoque (appeal to hypocrisy)
Tu quoque dismisses an argument by pointing to the arguer's inconsistent behavior rather than engaging with the argument's substance.
Question 7: When building a persuasive argument, what is the role of a 'warrant' in the Toulmin model?
- The factual evidence supporting the claim
- The principle or assumption that links the evidence to the claim (Correct answer)
- The conclusion or main point of the argument
- A qualification that limits the scope of the claim
Correct answer: The principle or assumption that links the evidence to the claim
In the Toulmin model, the warrant is the logical bridge explaining why the evidence supports the claim, making the inferential leap explicit.
LNAT Formulating Persuasive Arguments 3
Which argument structure is known as 'modus tollens'?